SIMPLE TIPS 16 THROUGH 20 TO REDUCE STRESS & ANXIETY
In my last few blog posts I have shared 15 simple tips to reduce anxiety and stress from your life. As a therapist and counselor I am always looking for tangible techniques that I can share in order to improve my clients’ lives. In this post I share the last remaining tips 16 through 20.
TIP 16: Sing your heart out
In a previous blog I discussed how music can be a great way of reducing stress and anxiety. Now I want to share how singing can be a great way to help your mood. The next time you are feeling down or stressed try belting out a tune. Sing a song that is upbeat and even inspirational. As a therapist and counselor I love getting tips and feedback from my clients. One client told me that she loves singing “I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor at the top of her lungs whenever she is having a hard time. Another client of mine loves singing songs from Disney movies. Give it a try and just have fun with it.
TIP 17: Get a new hobby
Pick up a new hobby that you have never done before and have always been interested in. You could take cooking classes, dance lessons, learn to crochet, start scrap booking, or learn to play tennis. The possibilities are endless. You can even ask family or friends to join you as well. Once you decide on what hobby you want to pursue make specific time in your schedule for you to partake in your new hobby.
TIP 18: Start a garden
Reduce your stress and anxiety levels by gardening. If you live in an apartment get inside pots. Working on plants, fruits, herbs, vegetables and flowers and seeing them grow can be extremely rewarding. Just imagine how great you are going to feel and the wonderful sense of accomplishment you are going to have from seeing your garden blossom. Not to mention the great added benefit of making your home a more beautiful space.
TIP 19: Take a bubble bath
When is the last time you took a relaxing bath? Give yourself the full experience of relaxation by drawing a bath. Light scented candles, play relaxing music, add bath salts and bubbles. Then just kick back and let yourself fully relax. To relieve even more tension use epsom salts, which you can buy at the grocery store or pharmacy, to help your muscles relax. If you are having trouble sleeping an epsom salt bath can do wonders. Sit in your bath for at least 15 to 20 minutes to get the most benefits from it.
TIP 20: Star gazing
Go outside at night and look up at the stars and the moon. This can be such a relaxing and calming experience. You could lay on a blanket with your hands behind your head and gaze up at the beautiful night sky. Take in how beautiful nature can truly be. There is even a cell phone app that you can point up to the sky that maps out constellations for you. Who knows you might even get lucky and see a shooting star!
This blog post completes the series of 20 tips that you can use to reduce stress and anxiety from your life. I hope that you have enjoyed reading these. Try no more than 2 to 3 tips per week so that you do not overwhelm yourself. After trying all 20 tips take note of which are your favorite and make them a part of your life.
ABOUT ESSENCE OF HEALING COUNSELING:
Roberta Alves is a therapist and counselor at the Essence of Healing Counseling with an office located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. She is a Certified Anxiety Specialist and uses a scientific and evidence based type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety. Roberta is truly passionate about the work she does and loves serving her clients in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas. If you want to learn the proven techniques to overcome your anxiety, schedule an appointment today.
